71 Borno Schoolchildren Still in Captivity as Families Beg Tinubu, Zulum to Secure Their Release

Families of 71 abducted schoolchildren and their teacher from Mussa and Lassa communities in Borno State have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum to urgently intensify efforts to secure their release, expressing frustration over more than 140 days of uncertainty and anguish.

The affected families, under the platform of the Margi Community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, made the appeal during a press conference in Abuja, where they called for coordinated security operations, improved communication and immediate government intervention to bring their loved ones home safely.

According to the conveners, 42 schoolchildren and one teacher were abducted from Mussa community on May 15, 2026, while another 29 children were kidnapped from Lassa community on June 29, 2026, while sitting for their National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.

The incidents bring the total number of abducted children to 71, alongside one teacher, whose continued captivity has plunged their families and communities into distress.

Speaking on behalf of parents who could not attend the Abuja briefing, the conveners stressed that the abducted children were not statistics in government security reports but innocent Nigerians whose education, childhood and family lives had been disrupted by their prolonged captivity.

They recalled that previous press conferences had been organised in Maiduguri and at the National Assembly, with some affected parents participating in the advocacy for the children’s release.

### Families Express Frustration Over Government Response

While acknowledging assurances previously given by government authorities, the families maintained that verbal commitments were no longer sufficient, insisting that they needed concrete action, regular communication and measurable progress towards securing the children’s freedom.

Addressing President Tinubu in his capacity as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, they urged him to personally give the matter urgent attention and mobilise all necessary lawful security and intelligence resources to facilitate the children’s rescue.

The families acknowledged the security challenges confronting Nigeria and the sacrifices of security personnel but insisted that the circumstances demanded sustained attention from the highest levels of government.

They emphasised that every abducted child was a Nigerian citizen entitled to protection, dignity and the constitutional responsibility of the government to safeguard lives.

### Zulum Urged to Prioritise Rescue Operation

The appeal was also directed at Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, whom the families urged to make the rescue of the children a central issue in his engagement with the Federal Government and relevant security agencies.

Although acknowledging the Zulum administration’s efforts in rebuilding communities and improving infrastructure across the state, they argued that development should also be measured by the safety of children and the welfare of vulnerable families.

They called on the state government to establish a dependable communication structure through which affected parents could receive regular and compassionate updates without compromising ongoing security operations.

### Ndume, National Assembly Members Under Pressure

The families also appealed to elected representatives from Askira/Uba, including the local government chairman, the member representing Askira/Uba in the Borno State House of Assembly, who is also the Deputy Speaker, and the representative of Askira/Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency.

They specifically called on Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume to deploy his legislative experience and influence to press the Senate President and other lawmakers to demand urgent government action.

The Borno State Commissioner for Education was equally urged to work with relevant authorities towards securing the children’s release while strengthening security arrangements around vulnerable schools and communities to prevent future abductions.

### Kidnappers Have Refused to Contact Parents

Responding to questions about possible communication with the abductors, the conveners disclosed that the kidnappers had refused to contact the parents or any other individuals, insisting that their communication was directed exclusively at the government.

They said the situation had heightened the anxiety of affected families, particularly because parents had no direct information about the condition of their children or the demands of the abductors.

According to the conveners, the state government initially offered reassurances approximately 30 days after the abduction, but more than 140 days had reportedly passed without tangible results.

They also expressed disappointment that efforts to secure an appointment with the leadership of the National Assembly had not yielded the desired outcome.

### Six Demands Presented to Government

The families outlined six major demands, insisting that the government must move beyond assurances and demonstrate a coordinated commitment to securing the children’s freedom.

Their demands include:

1. **Urgent and coordinated rescue efforts:** Immediate mobilisation of relevant security and intelligence agencies to secure the safe release of all 71 children and their teacher.

2. **Clear government responsibility:** Effective cooperation and clearly defined responsibilities between federal and Borno State authorities.

3. **Regular communication:** Consistent, sensitive and transparent updates to affected families without jeopardising security operations.

4. **Appointment of a liaison officer:** Designation of a government official to serve as a dedicated contact person for the families.

5. **Psychological and welfare support:** Immediate provision of emotional, psychological and material assistance to affected parents and households.

6. **Improved school security:** Stronger protective measures for schools and vulnerable communities to prevent further abductions.

### Civil Society, Traditional Rulers Asked to Intervene

Beyond government institutions, the families called on civil society organisations, traditional rulers, women’s groups, youth associations, professional bodies, media organisations and concerned Nigerians to support their campaign through peaceful and lawful advocacy.

They urged the media to sustain public attention on the plight of the abducted children, warning against allowing the issue to disappear from national discourse.

Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, the families maintained that their demands were not requests for special treatment but calls for the fulfilment of a fundamental constitutional responsibility.

### ‘Bring Our Children Home’

As political activities gather momentum ahead of future elections, the families appealed to politicians and political actors to demonstrate compassion and avoid allowing partisan considerations to overshadow the humanitarian crisis.

They insisted that the lives and freedom of the abducted children must take precedence over political campaigns and ambitions.

For the affected parents, the issue goes beyond government statements, political promises or security briefings. It is about children who should be in school, at home with their families and building their future, rather than spending their childhood in captivity.

Their message to President Tinubu, Governor Zulum and all relevant authorities remains urgent: the 71 children and their teacher must not be forgotten, and every lawful effort must be made to bring them home safely.